Peacebuilding in Burundi

We work with grassroots peace activists in Burundi to help them challenge the social injustices underlying violence. The training is adapted from the Quaker social action programme, Turning the Tide.

What are we doing?

The need

Burundi is in crisis and teeters dangerously close to the edge of a return to full-blown civil war. Our local partner, MIPAREC (offsite link), has worked since 1995 to bring people together across the divisions that threaten Burundi's future. Now, they have invited us to work with them to address the structural violence of corruption, shrinking political space and abuse of power to help build a sustainable peace.

Our impact

In November 2015, Quakers in Britain launched a pilot project teaching members of MIPAREC's peace committee skills in active nonviolence. Trainers from our nonviolence programme in Kenya facilitated three weeks of intensive training. A Kenyan coach is now based in Burundi, supporting and accompanying the newly trained people as they begin community campaigns for change.

With the help of Quakers in Britain, MIPAREC has now started following a similar path as the programme in Kenya: training community volunteers in nonviolent campaigning and providing support to community-led campaign groups. Through this approach, our partners in Burundi have able to do invaluable work in solving local land disputes and confronting corruption.

How we work

Our work is built on authentic partnership which springs from the Quaker understanding of equality.